Darwin’s Story

Darwin has been diabetic for several years, but the disease had progressed to the point where he needed insulin every day. After he lost his job as a long haul truck driver in 2009, Darwin continued his health insurance through COBRA until it ran out.

When he started having trouble with his foot, as a complication from the diabetes, Darwin went to the Essential Health Clinic and was told he needed a primary care provider to manage his chronic condition and medications on an ongoing basis. Darwin was referred to Project Access NOW, who connected him to Dr. Roger Reynolds for his primary care. He was also connected Dr. Joyce Jenkins, of the Orthopedic and Fracture Clinic, for treatment of his foot and, because he was having eye trouble as a result of the diabetes, he was also connected to Dr. Timothy Gard at the Hillsboro Eye Clinic. He receives his medications through Pharmacy Bridge and Project Access NOW’s Medication Assistance Program.

Darwin is very grateful for Project Access NOW and says every provider he has seen is “a human being of the first order. They are not in it for money. Each is first and foremost willing to give of their time and resources to help people. They became doctors for the right reason.”